Quest International University (QIU)
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
- Established
- 2008
- Students
- 1.8k
- International
- 40
At a glance
Visit official website- Top ranking
- QS Asian University Rankings Asia (band) #1201–1300
- Established
- 2008
- Students
- 1.8k students
- International
- 40
- Campus city
- Ipoh, Perak
- Type
- Private comprehensive research-led university
Established in 2008 (in collaboration with the Perak state government) under the Higher Educational Institutions Act 555; officially launched operations in April 2011. Formerly 'Quest International University Perak (QIUP)'. The Faculty of Medicine had its inaugural MBBS intake in 2012.
About this university
About Quest International University (QIU)
Quest International University (QIU) is a comprehensive, research-led private university in the heart of Ipoh, the capital of Perak in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Established in 2008 in collaboration with the Perak state government and officially launched in April 2011 (formerly Quest International University Perak), its urban campus sits amid the greenery of the Kinta Valley — about 5 minutes from Ipoh old town and close to Ipoh Parade shopping mall — with a new campus planned at Gunung Lang. With students from over 40 countries and many lecturers bringing real industry experience into the classroom, QIU offers a diverse, welcoming community and a strong focus on industry-relevant, learn-by-doing teaching.
QIU is especially well regarded for its health sciences. Its MBBS programme — which follows an integrated, problem-based curriculum aligned with US (USMLE) standards and had its first intake in 2012 — is widely cited among Malaysia's top medical programmes, while its pharmacy program holds a strong standing with the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. QIU is the only private university in Malaysia with an on-campus pharmaceutical production pilot plant, giving pharmacy students hands-on industry-grade experience, and the only one offering a Bachelor of Special Needs Education. Beyond health sciences you can study across business, computing, engineering, education and communication — from foundation and diploma right through to bachelor's, master's and PhD — with every program accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education.
For international students — drawn from more than 40 countries — the appeal is the combination of strong, well-accredited health-science programs, a relaxed and famously affordable city in Ipoh, and the value of studying in Malaysia. QIU emphasises graduate employability through career services, industry engagement and internship placement, supported by close academic-industry partnerships. Because QIU's standout programs are Medicine and Pharmacy — where fees and recognition are high-stakes and country-specific — the smartest first step is a free chat with us: YS Training & Consultancy will confirm the exact current fees (against an official offer letter for medical programs), check recognition for your country, and manage your application and Malaysian Student Pass from start to finish — talk to us free to get started.
A note on the numbers: rankings, fees and intake dates on this page are drawn from public sources and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, but they can change. We always confirm the current official figures with the university before you apply.
Why choose this university
Well-regarded Medicine and Pharmacy
The MBBS (problem-based, USMLE-aligned curriculum) is widely cited among the top medical programmes in Malaysia, and the pharmacy program holds a strong Pharmacy Board of Malaysia standing.
Only on-campus pharmaceutical pilot plant
QIU is the only private university in Malaysia with an on-campus pharmaceutical production pilot plant — giving pharmacy students hands-on, industry-grade experience.
Unique Special Needs Education degree
The only private university in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Special Needs Education.
Industry-experienced teaching
A large share of lecturers and advisors bring industry experience, with adjunct input cited from companies like Samsung, Grab, Intel, Universal Music and Leo Burnett.
A truly international community
Students from over 40 countries study at QIU, creating a diverse and welcoming campus.
In the heart of affordable Ipoh
An urban campus about 5 minutes from Ipoh old town, close to Ipoh Parade mall, in one of Malaysia's most liveable and budget-friendly cities. A new campus is planned in Gunung Lang, Ipoh.
Rankings
Asia (band)
Malaysia (aggregator estimate)
National rating
UN SDG performance (debut)
Programs offered
QIU is a comprehensive university organised across faculties including Medicine, Pharmacy, Business & Management, Computing & Engineering, Integrated Life Sciences and Social Sciences. It is the only private university in Malaysia offering a Bachelor of Special Needs Education, and the MBBS follows an integrated problem-based curriculum aligned with US (USMLE) standards.
Foundation
3 programs
Diploma
6 programs
Bachelor's (Honours)
11 programs
Master's
7 programs
Tuition & fees
Foundation
Foundation in Science (MBBS/Pharmacy pathway), Arts, Business. Indicative only.
Diploma
Indicative only.
Bachelor's (non-medical)
Business, computing, biomedical, etc. Indicative only.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Higher than general programs. Application fee RM 200. Confirm with YSTC.
Medicine (MBBS)
High — one public source cites a figure around RM 300,000 (likely full 5-year programme, NOT per year — verify)
MUST be confirmed against an official QIU offer letter. Application fee RM 300. Medical fees are high-stakes — confirm with YSTC.
Postgraduate (Master's / PhD / DBA)
Indicative only.
Fees are indicative and public fee data is limited; the MBBS figure in particular must be confirmed against an official offer letter (and clarified as per-year vs full-programme). Extra costs include application fees (RM 100 foundation/degree, RM 200 pharmacy, RM 300 MBBS), an English Enhancement Programme fee (~RM 1,000 if required), hostel + transport (~RM 410–510/month), immigration and facilities deposits, EMGS Student Pass fees, and the 6% service tax (from July 2025). We confirm the exact current official fee before you commit — for free.
Living costs: Ipoh is one of Malaysia's most affordable and liveable cities, so student living costs — accommodation, food and transport — are generally low. QIU lists hostel accommodation (Alpine Village, Sunway City Ipoh / Tambun area, ~10km from campus with shuttle) at around RM 410–510/month including transport. YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate for your shortlist.
Campus & student life
Campus setting
An urban campus in the heart of Ipoh, Perak, set amid the greenery of the Kinta Valley — about 5 minutes from Ipoh old town and close to Ipoh Parade shopping mall, with easy access to the airport and the highway to Kuala Lumpur and Penang. A new campus is planned at Gunung Lang, Ipoh.
Accommodation
QIU offers hostel accommodation at Alpine Village (Sunway City Ipoh / Tambun area), about 10km from campus with a shuttle service, around RM 410–510/month including transport — plus other housing options around affordable Ipoh. YSTC will walk you through the current choices and costs for your intake.
Student life
A diverse campus community with students from more than 40 countries, set in the relaxed and food-famous city of Ipoh. Ask YSTC for the latest on clubs, societies and events that match your interests.
Safety & support
Ipoh is a calm, affordable Malaysian city popular with students, and the campus sits close to the city centre and amenities (including a nearby hospital and police station). YSTC can share current student-support and safety details before you arrive.
Facilities
- On-campus pharmaceutical production pilot plant
- Faculty of Medicine teaching facilities
- Science, computing and engineering labs
- Library and learning spaces
- Student common areas
Careers & outcomes
QIU emphasises graduate employability through career services, industry engagement, internship placement and workforce training, supported by academic-industry partnerships. It does not publish detailed employment-rate or salary figures.
- Academic-industry partnerships and adjunct input from international companies
- Internship placement and experiential, learn-by-doing teaching
- Many lecturers bring real industry experience into the classroom
- Career services and workforce training support — ask YSTC for the latest details
QIU does not publish detailed graduate-outcome metrics, and Malaysia's graduate job market can be competitive — YSTC will help you understand realistic outcomes for your chosen course.
Accreditation & recognition
- Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) — programmes accredited
- Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
- SETARA: Berdaya Saing (Competitive)
- MBBS recognition cited with international medical bodies (e.g. listed in the International Medical Education Directory; recognised by some overseas councils) — recognition is country-specific, confirm with YSTC
- Pharmacy programme holds Pharmacy Board of Malaysia recognition (Level 5 'Excellent' status cited)
- Industry/professional pathway recognitions cited for accountancy and actuarial programmes — confirm current status with YSTC
- Programmes taught in English
Admissions
Entry requirements
- Recognised pre-university qualification (e.g. STPM, A-Levels, foundation, diploma, or equivalent) — requirements vary by program
- Meet the minimum subject grades for your chosen course (Medicine and Pharmacy have higher, specific entry requirements)
- Meet the English language requirement (see below); an English Enhancement Programme is available if needed
Intakes
- Multiple intakes per year — Medicine and Pharmacy have specific intake windows. Confirm exact dates per program with YSTC
English requirement
Typically around IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL or an accepted equivalent, higher for Medicine/Pharmacy, with an English Enhancement Programme available if you don't yet meet the band. YSTC will confirm what your course needs.
International students are issued a Malaysian Student Pass via EMGS. QIU's international office handles the Student Pass application after you accept your offer (note: some nationalities have extra requirements, e.g. Yellow Fever cards or an NOC); YSTC manages the process with you from start to finish.
How YSTC helps you apply
From shortlisting to your offer letter and student visa, we guide you through every step — and getting started is completely free.
Location
Address
No. 227, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia (main campus); Faculty of Medicine at a separate nearby Ipoh address.
What's nearby
Ask us about accommodation, transport links and student life around the campus — we'll give you the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Quest International University located?
Quest International University (QIU) is in Ipoh, the capital of Perak, in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Its urban main campus sits in the heart of the city amid the greenery of the Kinta Valley — about 5 minutes from Ipoh old town and close to Ipoh Parade shopping mall — while the Faculty of Medicine is at a separate nearby Ipoh address.
How much does it cost to study MBBS at Quest International University?
Medicine is QIU's most expensive program, and public figures are inconsistent (one source cites around RM 300,000, which is most likely the full five-year programme rather than per year). Because medical fees are high-stakes, this must be confirmed against an official QIU offer letter — your free YSTC consultation will get you the exact current figure, plus living costs.
Is a Quest International University degree recognised?
Yes. QIU is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education, with a Berdaya Saing (Competitive) SETARA rating. Its MBBS is cited in international medical directories and recognised by some overseas councils, but medical-degree recognition is country-specific and changes — so YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country before you apply.
What is Quest International University known for?
QIU is best known for its health sciences — its MBBS is widely cited among Malaysia's top medical programmes and its pharmacy program holds a strong Pharmacy Board of Malaysia standing. It's the only private university in Malaysia with an on-campus pharmaceutical pilot plant, and the only one offering a Bachelor of Special Needs Education.
When can I start, and what are the intakes?
QIU offers multiple intakes during the year, and the exact dates depend on your program — Medicine and Pharmacy have specific intake windows. YSTC will confirm the next available intake and the application deadlines for your chosen course.
How do I apply, and can YSTC help?
Yes — and getting started is completely free. We'll help you choose the right course, prepare and submit your application and documents, confirm the current fees, and manage your Malaysian Student Pass (visa) via EMGS from start to finish.
Are there scholarships for international students at QIU?
QIU offers various scholarships and tuition waivers (including foundation and alumni waivers), and availability changes each intake and depends on your results and chosen program. The best move is a free YSTC consultation, where we'll check which scholarships you may qualify for and help you apply at no cost.
What are the English language requirements for QIU?
Most programs ask for around IELTS 6.0, TOEFL, or an accepted equivalent, with Medicine and Pharmacy typically higher. If you don't yet meet the requirement, QIU runs an English Enhancement Programme so you can still progress. YSTC will confirm exactly what your chosen course needs.
Are courses at Quest International University taught in English?
Yes — QIU is an international university with students from over 40 countries, and its programs are taught in English, so you can study without learning Malay first. YSTC can confirm the language of instruction for your specific course.
What accommodation options are there at QIU?
QIU offers hostel accommodation at Alpine Village (Sunway City Ipoh / Tambun area), about 10km from campus with a shuttle, around RM 410–510/month including transport, plus other affordable options around Ipoh. YSTC will walk you through the current options and a realistic monthly budget for your intake.
How much does it cost to live in Ipoh as a student?
Ipoh is one of Malaysia's most affordable and liveable cities, so living costs — accommodation, food and transport — are generally low and far below the UK, US or Australia. Your exact budget depends on your lifestyle, so YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate alongside your tuition figures, free of charge.
Can international students work while studying at QIU?
International students in Malaysia may be allowed to work part-time during semester breaks and holidays under specific conditions set by Immigration, usually with university approval. The rules can change, so we'll explain the current, accurate position for your situation during your free consultation rather than rely on outdated info.
What are graduate outcomes like at Quest International University?
QIU emphasises employability through career services, industry engagement, internship placement and workforce training, backed by academic-industry partnerships and industry-experienced lecturers. It doesn't publish detailed graduate employment or salary figures, so YSTC will help you understand the realistic outcomes and career support for your specific course.
Interested in Quest International University (QIU)? Talk to us free.
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